A “Beau Brunch” at Beaumarchais East Hampton starts as a dining experience and evolves into a club-style party. (May 27, 2012) (Credit: Ian J. Stark)

Despite a a tragic pause that shut down bars and clubs for a while after superstorm Sandy, for the most part, 2012 was the year Long Island just wanted to have fun. Thanks to new spots, new music and some offbeat creativity, that merry mission was absolutely accomplished.

Here are a dozen of the biggest trends and happenings of the past 12 months, proving that through thick and thin Long...

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No one would argue that nightlife was among the least important losses caused by the storm, but Sandy's impact did rattle local bars and clubs to the core. Some suffered irreparable damage, and of those that did bounce back, many were shuttered for a week or more, unable to throw Halloween parties, which typically generate a critical chunk of a year’s income.

In hard-hit Long Beach, several bars became makeshift rescue stations; others organized benefits to help relief. Between food drives, concerts and fundraisers, the nightlife scene became a valuable part of the recovery effort. (Nov. 11, 2012)

Top 12 Long Island nightlife stories of 2012

December 12, 2012 1:24 PM

Despite a a tragic pause that shut down bars and clubs for a while after superstorm Sandy, for the most part, 2012 was the year Long Island just wanted to have fun. Thanks to new spots, new music and some offbeat creativity, that merry mission was absolutely accomplished.

Here are a dozen of the biggest trends and happenings of the past 12 months, proving that through thick and thin Long Island is -- and always will be -- a premier place to party. --Ian J. Stark